Successful topical treatment of hand warts in a paediatric patient with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia).
Tea tree oil (TTO) (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been used recently as an effective topical application for the treatment of skin infections due to a variety of aetiological microbial agents, including mainly bacterial infections. We detail the first report in the peer-reviewed literature of the successful treatment with TTO of a paediatric patient with warts on her right middle finger. TTO was applied topically once daily to the lesions for 12 days, with a successful outcome, including complete re-epithelization of the infected areas. The case highlights the potential use of TTO in the treatment of common warts due to human papilloma virus.
Millar
B Cherie
BC
Northern Ireland Public Health Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
Moore
John E
JE
D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections; D020947:Tea Tree Oil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014860:Warts / Q000188:drug therapy*
D020947:Tea Tree Oil